Relatório do estágio pré-profissional no estabelecimento público local para educação agrícola e formação profissional (EPLEFPA) de Saint Joseph. Caso de estudo: impacto das afecções podais na produtividade de vacas leiteiras em sistema intensivo

Abstract

This work was carried out on Réunion Island, France, as part of a cooperation between the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Local Public Establishment for Agricultural Education and Vocational Training (EPLEFPA) of Saint Joseph, from April 21st to July 7th, with the aim of deepening the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired during training at Eduardo Mondlane University. The activities were carried out on the farm, with the intern receiving guidance and supervision from teachers and technicians of the production unit. During the internship period, routine activities were observed in the animal production area in the dairy cow, pig, goat, and broiler sectors, covering management, feeding, health, reproduction, and production monitoring. During the internship, a study was developed on the impacts of foot diseases on the productivity of dairy cows in an intensive system. A herd of 40 dairy cows, housed in free stall confinement systems, was monitored with the objective of determining the status of foot diseases in the herd. A prevalence of 17.5% of foot affections was observed in the herd, corresponding to 7 affected animals and 8 types of lesions secondary to laminitis, the most predominant being sole ulcer, toe ulcer, and heel erosion. The treatment instituted was surgical, using the corrective hoof trimming technique, with the application of antiseptics, antibiotics, bandages, and orthopedic shoes to the lesion. It had a good prognosis, with the recovery of all cows submitted to the procedure. Foot diseases resulted in significant economic impacts on the unit, and the estimated economic losses associated with milk production were 875 kg of milk, equivalent to USD 1000, in a 10-day period, compromising the farm's production, productivity, and income